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ThesisItem Open Access Morphological and Molecular Profiling of Grass Pea Genotypes(RPCAU, Pusa, 2023) KASHYAP, YOGESH; Kant, RaviThe present experiment was conducted at the research farm of TCA, Dholi, RPCAU, Pusa, during the rabi season of 2022-23. The study involved twenty-five different grass pea lines, including the reference check DLY-13-7. The experimental setup employed a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Data was collected from five randomly selected plants in each replication, and the mean values were subjected to statistical analysis using the R software. The outcomes of the analysis revealed significant genetic variability across all traits studied. Notably, the Phenotypic Coefficient of Variation (PCV) and Genetic Coefficient of Variation (GCV) were notably high for traits such as harvest index, seed yield, and the number of pods per plant. These findings suggest that efficient selection of desired genotypes could be performed for these particular traits. Traits like seed yield per plant, harvest index, and biological yield per plant exhibited both high heritability and significant genetic advance. This indicates the prevalence of additive gene action in the expression of these attributes, implying their suitability for direct selection to enhance genetic traits. Seed yield per plant exhibited significant positive correlations with traits like the number of pods per plant, 100-seed weight, harvest index, pod length, and the number of seeds per pod. These findings underscore the importance of prioritizing these traits in the selection process for crop improvement, given their positive associations with seed yield. Several traits such as days to maturity, plant height, 100-seed weight, number of primary branches, number of seeds per pod, number of pods per plant, and pod length exerted direct effects on seed yield per plant. In contrast, other traits indirectly influenced seed yield through their impact on these key traits. Therefore, selection strategies centered around these influential traits are likely to be successful in boosting grass pea production. Correlation and path analysis of characters such as no. of pods per plant,100 seed weight, harvest index, pod length & no. of seed per pod would be dependable and efficient as they illustrated positively strong alliance with seed yield and positive interrelation amongst themselves and also through high indirect effects of many of the traits on seed yield. The twenty-five genotypes were categorized into five groups, with cluster III containing the most genotypes. Cluster IV and V were composed of single genotype. Maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster III and II, whereas the minimum inter-cluster distance occurred between clusters II and IV. This finding implies the potential for obtaining transgressive segregants by crossing genotypes from these clusters. Based on molecular diversity, the twenty-five genotypes were classified into four clusters. Clusters I and III encompassed the highest number of genotypes, while cluster II contained the fewest. Genotype LAT-2019-5 displayed superiority in terms of seed yield per plant, plant height, number of primary branches, and pod length, although its 100-seed weight was comparatively lower. For 100-seed weight, LAT-2019-12 emerged as a promising genotype. Genotype LAT-2019-14 show excellence in the number of branches per plant, whereas DLY-13-7 stood out for the number of pods per plant. These findings emphasize the necessity for extensive testing of genotypes across different years and locations for potential use as varieties or integration into future grass pea improvement programs. Notably, strong similarity coefficients were observed between LAT-21-3 and LAT-21-6, followed by LAT-21-4 and LAT-2019-12.ThesisItem Open Access INFLUENCE OF NANO ZINC FORMULATIONS ON RICE CULTIVARS UNDER SALT AFFECTED CALCAREOUS SOILS OF BIHAR(RPCAU, Pusa, 2023) NANDI, PRATIK; Kumar, SanjayThe study entitled "Influence of nano Zn formulations on rice cultivars under salt affected calcareous soils of Bihar" was conducted during the Kharif season of 2022 at the Experimental farm of RPCAU, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar. This research was planned to investigate the effects of different nano Zn formulations on two rice cultivars grown in salt-affected calcareous soil. The experiment employed a split-plot design with three blocks, each containing ten plots, wherein two rice cultivars (CSR 23 and DRR Dhan 48) were subjected to five Zn treatments (Control, ZnSO4 foliar application @ 0.5%, Nano Zn @ 20 ppm, Nano Zn @ 50 ppm and ZnSO4 soil application @ 50 kg/ha). Growth attributes, yield components, nutrient uptake, morphophysiological, and biochemical characteristics were assessed, along with post-harvest soil properties. Results revealed significant impacts of Zn treatments and rice cultivars on various parameters. Soil application of ZnSO4 @ 50 kg/ha consistently yielded favorable outcomes across several parameters, including plant height, number of tillers, filled grains per panicle, grain yield, and nutrient uptake. DRR Dhan 48 exhibited higher performance than CSR 23 in terms of plant height, tillering, and yield attributes. The Nano Zn formulation @ 50 ppm demonstrated positive effects on physiological attributes such as Relative Water Content (RWC) and Membrane Stability Index (MSI), as well as on photosynthetic pigments. Biochemical analyses showcased variations in proline content, antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase) and Na+/K+ ratio due to Zn treatments and cultivars. This study underscores the potential benefits of Zn supplementation, particularly the application of Nano Zn @ 50 ppm, in improving growth, yield, nutrient uptake, and physiological responses of rice cultivars in salt-affected calcareous soil. Moreover, the observed variations between the two rice cultivars emphasize the importance of selecting appropriate cultivars for specific soil conditions. These findings contribute to the understanding of optimizing rice production under challenging soil conditions through targeted Zn supplementation.ThesisItem Open Access SULPHUR NUTRITION IN RICE BASED CROPPING SYSTEM AS INFLUENCED BY LONG-TERM APPLICATION OF ORGANICS AND INORGANICS(RPCAU, Pusa, 2023) HYNDAVI, S D R VAJRA; SUMAN, S.N.A long-term field experiment was being conducted at Nursery Jhilli, Pusa Farm, RPCAU since kharif 2013. This experiment used a split-plot design in Calciorthent soil. The main plot treatments for rice crop included the application of various fertilization treatments based on Soil Test Crop Response Fertilizer Equations (T1 - Control plot, T2 - Farmers Practice, T3 - GRD, T4-the targeted yield of 3.5 t/ha (Y1) without IPNS (Integrated Plant Nutrient System) , T5 –the targeted yield of 4.0 t/ha (Y2) without IPNS, T6 - the targeted yield of 4.5 t/ha (Y3) without IPNS, T7 -the targeted yield of 3.5 t/ha (Y1) with IPNS @ compost 5 t ha-1, T8 - the targeted yield of 4.0 t/ha (Y2) with IPNS @ compost 5 t ha-1, and T9 - the targeted yield of 4.5 t/ha (Y3) with IPNS @ compost 5 t ha-1 and several cropping systems as subplot treatments (Rice-wheat, Rice-Mustard, Rice-Winter Maize) under rice-based cropping systems. Rice variety Rajendra bhagwati was transplanted during the kharif 2022. Post-harvest soil samples were examined for distribution of available sulphur at 3 distinct depths (0-15 cm, 15-30 cm, and 30-45 cm) within the soil in addition to yield, yield-attributing characteristics, and nutrients uptake by rice crop. Collected post-harvest soil samples were fractioned to obtain different S pools in surface soil. Both grain yield (t/ha) and straw yield (t/ha) of rice increased significantly in treatments having IPNS @ compost 5 t ha-1. However, it was found that yield at T9 – the targeted yield of 4.5 t/ha (Y3) with IPNS @ compost 5 t ha-1 was at par with T8- the targeted yield of 4.0 t/ha (Y3) with IPNS @ compost 5 t ha-1. The yield under different nutrients supply options were recorded in the order 2.02 t/ha to 4.43 t/ha. The result indicated that RDF as well as farmers practices could be substituted with treatments having T9 -the targeted yield of 4.5 t/ha (Y3) with IPNS @ compost 5 t ha-1. The combined application of organic matter and fertilizers with different yield target resulted in a build-up of available sulphur in the soil. It was found that the available Sulphur concentration (ppm) rose up to a depth of 45 cm in the soil. Through sequential fractionation, it was also recorded that all the sulphur fractions—distilled water-soluble S, sulphate S, inorganically bound S, organically bound S, residual S, and total S—remained in dynamic equilibrium in soil. Organically bound S contributed the most to total S.ThesisItem Open Access Molecular profiling in relation to drought tolerance in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)(RPCAU, Pusa, 2023) GHOSH, SAIPAYAN; SHARMA, V.K.Thirty two genotypes of chickpea were evaluated for various morpho-biochemical characters and molecular characterization was utilized to screen and select drought tolerant chickpea genotypes. Experimental materials were evaluated in randomized block design with three replications during three consecutive years. Molecular characterization was done by targeted amplification of the genomic DNA using a panel of thirty four primer pairs. Statistical methods and parameters used for deriving inference were analysis of variance, range, mean values, principal component analysis drought tolerance indices. An analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters evaluated during present study. The results were found to be consistent across the years and the interactive effect because of environmental variations during the above mentioned years was found to be non-significant. Among the genotypes evaluated in the present study, ICCX-161047, IVT (MH) C-22970, ICCX-161078 and ICCX-161055 recorded remarkably higher mean performance for biological yield, yield per plant, number of pods per plant, 100-grains weight and harvest index under both drought and normal conditions. Similarly, genotypes like ICCX-161037, ICCX-161055, ICCX-161078, ICCX-161080, ICCX-161085, IVT (MH) C-22957, and ICCX-161100 exhibited superior performance in respect of root length, plant height, root volume, number of nodules per plant under both conditions. Enzyme activity in the genotypes under evaluation with respect to peroxidase, proline and catalase was, in general, found to be higher under drought stress. However, per cent augmentation in peroxidase activity, proline content and catalase activity under drought stress was not found to be related with degree of drought tolerance among the genotypes. Principal component analysis based distribution pattern of chickpea genotypes evaluated for Drought Tolerance Index (DTI), Drought Susceptibility Index (DSI) and Tolerance Index (TI) clearly indicated that the genotypes were accommodated in into two clusters encompassing 16 genotypes in each cluster. Using four candidate genes based 15 synthesized genic microsatellite primers and 19 reported generic microsatellite markers for molecular characterization of a set of 32 genotypes, amplification was successfully achieved with all the primer pairs. Overall 235 alleles were observed including 182 shared alleles and 53 unique alleles. The amplified product size depicted the variation in the length of amplified products and all the primer sets generated one polymorphic amplified product in every genotype. Polymorphism information content (PIC) varied numerically from 0.65 in the case of primer pairs RPCM CAP2 AP2 G IV to 0.93 in the case of primer pair H2I10, with an average of 0.77 among the combinations of primer pairs. Dice similarity coefficient between ICCX-161082 and GNG-1558 (0.5672) as well as between ICCX-161077 and ICCX-161098 (0.5672) was found to be the maximum amongst pair-wise combinations of genotypes. Dice similarity coefficient between ICCX-161082 and GNG-1558 (0.5672) as well as between ICCX-161077 and ICCX-161098 (0.5672) was found to be the maximum amongst pair-wise combinations of genotypes. Results of cluster analysis using microsatellite markers inferred that 15 drought tolerant genotypes identified on the basis of drought tolerance index among 32 chickpea genotypes in the present investigation were clustered together. The genetic composition of 32 chickpea genotypes was found to be admixture of two ancestral components present in different combinations. The molecular profiling of chickpea genotypes, along with the morphological and biochemical screening based on drought tolerant indices helped to categorize and screen out 15 drought tolerant genotypes from among 32 chickpea genotypes under study in screening of genotypes in relation to drought tolerance.ThesisItem Open Access PERFORMANCE OF FARMER PRODUCER ORGANIZATIONS (FPOs) IN BIHAR FOR AUGMENTING THE FARMERS’ INCOME(RPCAU, Pusa, 2023) GUPTA, MOHIT KUMAR; Lal, Sudhanand PrasadFarmers are principal members of Farmers Producers Organizations (FPOs), a specific class of POs that pact with the production, marketing, and value addition of agricultural products. The primary mission of FPO is to mobilize farmers into member-owned producer companies for enhancing the negotiation power of marginal and small farmers through developing a judicious economy of scale at farm gate. It is an important tool for shifting the focus of farmer from mere production to marketing of produce i.e., transforming agriculture to agri-business management (ABM) and to realise farmers that ‘agriculture is more than just cows and plows’. The study was performed in the Samastipur and Muzaffarpur district of Bihar state with an objective to analyse the impact of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) on its member farmers. 5 FPOs were selected purposely since each FPO deal with different agricultural commodity. A total of 250 members (having at least 5 years of experiences in FPOs) were randomly selected for the study from each five FPOs at the rate of 50.An overview on socio- economic profile of member of FPO reveal that majority (73.20 %) of respondents belonged to middle aged category (36 – 50 years), 23.60% of the respondents had middle school level of education, majority (57.60%) of FPO members had low level of educational experiences (≤8 years), most of the respondents 29.20% belonged to SC/ST, half of the respondents (49.20 %) having medium size family (5-6 members), majority of the respondents (46%) were marginal farmers, majority (40%) of FPO members’ farm were at less distance (< 5 km) from FPO head office, 93.60% of respondents had a medium level of annual income before joining FPOs, majority (44.80%) of FPO members has participated in only one training programme, majority of FPO members has medium level of information source, leadership ability, risk orientation, economic motivation and achievement motivation. Performance of FPOs was measured through Index developed by Roy (2022). Analysis of the distribution of respondents on the basis of witnessed performance of FPO revealed that 60.80% of respondents witnessed a low level of overall performance of FPOs. PLUM analysis shows that witnessed performance of FPOs is strongly associated with age, family size, secondary occupation, source of information, distance of FPOs, training participation, leadership ability and achievement motivation. The unit increase in number of sources of information of respondents increases the odds of witnessing the performance of FPOs by 23.40 % at 95% confidence interval. Index was developed to measure the impact of FPOs. Index had six dimensions such as Economic Impact, Social Impact, Marketing Impact, Participatory Impact, Technological and food security impact. Analysis of the distribution of respondents on the basis of Impact of FPO revealed that on 77.60% of respondents’ overall impact of FPO was high. There were 15 variables fitting in the multivariate regression model. Nine variables out of fifteen, found significantly related and predicting the impact of FPO on the farmers at various levels of significance. Henry Garrett ranking technique was used for SWOT analysis determining the important constraints of Farmer Producer Organization. ‘Income stability due to assured price’, ‘Weak legal backup for the growers’, ‘Economical procurement of inputs’ and ‘Diversion of inputs by the farmers to other crops’ were the top strength, weakness, opportunity and threats of FPOs, respectively. Constraints factors were categorized under three category viz. organizational constraints, technical constraints and financial and market related constraints. ‘Less initiative from the BODs to actively involve the members in company activity’, ‘Inadequate and untimely supply of Agri-inputs from the producer company’ and ‘Lack of credit supply from the company for various agricultural operations’ were the main organizational constraints, technical constraints and financial and market related constraints of FPOs, respectively.ThesisItem Open Access COMBINING ABILITY AND MOLECULAR PROFILING OF PROMISING GENOTYPES OF FIELD PEA (Pisum sativum L.)(RPCAU, Pusa, 2023) VARMA, D. DINESH; Kant, RaviThe present investigation entitled “Combining ability and molecular profiling of promising genotypes of field pea (Pisum sativum L.)” was undertaken at Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi, Bihar state during Rabi, 2021-22 (Crossing programme) and Rabi, 2022-23 (Evaluation). The study was based to assess the general combining ability of parents, specific combining ability of hybrids, heritability, heterosis, yield and molecular profiling using SSR markers. In the present research work seven lines were mated with five testers in Line X Tester mating design resulting in 35 hybrids. The parents and their 35 hybrids along with check (RACHANA) were evaluated by planting in Randomized Block Design with three replications. The data was collected on days to 50 per cent flowering, plant height, number of primary branches, number of secondary branches, days to maturity, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, pod length, 100 seed weight, grain yield per plant, harvest index, number of nodules per plant, nodules fresh weight and nodules dry weight. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among the genotypes for all the 14 characters studied. The analysis of variance for combining ability revealed significant differences due to parents, hybrids and various interactions indicating the existence of wider variability in the material studied and the results pertaining to the estimate of combining ability revealed that mean GCA variance were higher than the SCA variance for the characters, viz., number of secondary branches, plant height, number of pods per plant, grain yield per plant and number of nodules per plant which indicated preponderance of additive gene action in the inheritance of these traits. Therefore, selection for these traits in early generations would be effective for developing the varieties in pea breeding programme. This was further supported by high magnitude of σ2gca/σ2sca ratio was more than unity suggesting the preponderance of additive variance in expression of these traits. Whereas SCA variance was relatively greater in magnitude than GCA variance for days to 50% flowering, number of primary branches, number of seeds per pod, 100 seed weight, pod length, nodules fresh weight and nodules dry weight indicating that these traits were predominantly under the control of non-additive gene action which can be further used for heterosis breeding. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance estimates was recorded for number of secondary branches, plant height, pod length, number of seeds per pod, number of pods per plant, 100 seed weight, grain yield per plant, harvest index, nodules fresh weight and nodules dry weight indicating the role of additive gene action and selection for these traits is reliable. High heritability and moderate genetic advance were recorded for number of primary branches and number of nodules per plant indicating the presence of both additive and non-additive gene action. While high level of heritability and low genetic advance for days to 50% flowering and days to maturity indicating the role of non- additive genes in the inheritance of these traits and improvement of these traits through mere selection is not useful therefore breeder should go for heterosis breeding or recurrent selection for improvement of these characters. General combining ability effects of the parents revealed that lines RFPG 111, TRCP8 and HUPT 1810 were found to be good combiners for traits like days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, number of seeds per pod, number of pods per plant, number of secondary branches, 100 seed weight, harvest index, nodules fresh weight and nodules dry weight. Whereas among the testers, IFP 18-7 has found to be good general combiner for the traits number of seeds per pod, number of pods per plant, harvest index, number of nodules per plant, nodules fresh weight and nodules dry weight. Thus, the parents RFPG 111, TRCP 8, HUPT 1810 and IPF 18-7 which has recorded significant positive GCA effects for grain yield per plant and its related traits can be utilized in the development of superior hybrids. Within the hybrids, IPFD 19-9 X HFP 1545, TRCP 8 X HFP 1545, DDR 23 X IPF 18-7 and RFPG 111 X IPF 18-7 exhibited positive SCA effects for grain yield per plant. Hence, considered as good specific combiners and could be recommended for heterosis breeding. Estimates of heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis varied in a preferable direction among the crosses, and some of them proved to be the most effective in their respective contexts. The simultaneous manifestation of heterosis for yield component characteristics is the main cause of heterosis for grain yield per plant. The hybrids VL 42 X IPF 18-7, TRCP 8 X HFP 1545, RFPG111 X PANT P 462, DDR 23 X IPF 18-7, RFPG 111 X IPF 18-7 and IPFD 19-9 X IPF 18-7 had recorded highest heterobeltiosis along with per se, standard heterosis with respect to the check and high grain yield per plant. By considering all the factors, the most promising parents identified were TRCP 8 and IPF 18-7 based on high grain yield per plant, high GCA and its yield components. Whereas the hybrid RFPG 111 X IPF 18-7 was found to be best specific combiner due to factors like duration, per se performance, SCA effect, standard heterosis over check RACHANA, heterobeltiosis, grain yield, number of primary branches, number of pods per plant, harvest index, nodules fresh weight and nodules dry weight. After being critically assessed for their superiority and stability across many places over years, these hybrids might be used commercially. A set of 16 SSR markers were used for assessing the diversity at molecular level in 12 parental genotypes. The markers were found to be distinct and scorable for the genotypes evaluated. Altogether 53 allelic variants were detected among 12 pea genotypes with an average of 3.3 alleles per locus. A total of 33 shared and 20 unique allelic variants were generated in the form of amplified products by using 16 primer pairs. The PIC values revealing allelic diversity and frequency among the pea genotypes varied from 0.82 to 0.27. The polymorphic primers were run among all the parents of which four primers viz., PEA 028, PEA 081, PEA 091 and PEA 126 had polymorphism. All the four primers have shown the presence of heterozygous band confirming the hybridity of these crosses. The dendrogram representation of the 12 parental genotypes revealed that the cluster IA had maximum number of genotypes. The magnitude of dice similarity coefficient among the parents RFPG 111 and TRCP 8 and TRCP 8 and HUPT 1810 had shown minimum value indicating the diversity among the parents.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of Drought under Restricted Irrigation Condition in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes and their molecular characterization(RPCAU, Pusa, 2023) KUMARI, MANISHA; Singh, Satish KumarA study was conducted at the wheat breeding farm, RPCAU, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar, in rabi season of 2022-23. The objective was to evaluate different bread wheat lines for their response to drought stress under restricted irrigation condition. The research encompassed a range of analyses including variation assessment, genetic advancement, correlations, path analysis, molecular characterisation, and diversity evaluation. In both environments i.e., optimum or normal and stress conditions, 30 distinct genotypes were investigated. Randomized Block Design with 3 replications was used for both conditions to evaluate better performing genotypes under respective environmental conditions. The analysis of variance for both (optimum and restricted irrigation) conditions revealed significant variations among all the studied lines of wheat genotypes. The traits such as root mass/ unit soil weight (RM), no. of grains per spike (NGPS), leaf thickness (LT) and 1000 grain weight (TGW) has high heritability and genetic advance in both conditions. Whereas, grain yield per plant (GY) has high heritability as well as genetic advance only under restricted irrigation condition. Grain yield per plant (GY) was observed significantly and positively correlated with no. of effective tillers / plant (NTPP), no. of grains per spike (NGPS), soil moisture (SM), spike neck diameter (ND), canopy cover (CC), relative water content (RWC), root mass per unit soil weight (RM), leaf thickness (LT) and 1000 grain weight (TGW) in both i.e., optimum and restricted irrigation conditions. Whereas, it was negatively correlated with plant height (PH), days to 50 % flowering (DF), days to maturity (DM), canopy temperature (CT) and soil temperature (ST) under both scenarios. GY was non- significantly negatively correlated with days to 50 % flowering in both conditions. Canopy temperature and soil temperature has negative correlation with no. of grains /spike. However, soil temperature is positively correlated with drought susceptible index (DSI). These results showed that CT, ST and DSI is related to yield lose under restricted irrigation scenario. The traits like no. of effective tillers per plant, no. of grains per spike, relative water content and thousand grain weight are of prime importance in the selection process of grain yield improvement programme, as they show significant and positive association with yield per plant. Under restricted irrigated condition, no. of effective tillers per plant, no. of grains per spike and relative water content has positive and direct effect on grain yield. Although, other characters also contributed to yield indirectly via these traits. All 30 bread wheat lines were classified into 5 and 4 clusters in optimum and restricted irrigation conditions respectively. In case of non-stressed condition, highest inter cluster distance was found between cluster I and cluster III, while lowest inter cluster distance was recorded between cluster III and cluster V. Under restricted irrigation condition, highest inter cluster distance was recorded between cluster I and cluster II, while lowest inter cluster distance was found between cluster I and cluster IV. Genotypes NEST 18-25, 8th HPYT 454, 12th HPYT 554 and TAW-123 can be selected as a suitable donor parent for traits such as no. of effective tillers per plant, no. of grains per spike, leaf thickness and 1000 grain weight under optimum irrigation condition. Whereas, genotypes like NEST 18-25, 12th HPYT 600, NEST 19-25 and 38 SAWSN 3231 can be selected as a suitable donor parent for traits like no. of effective tillers per plant, no. of grains per spike, root mass per unit soil weight, leaf thickness, 1000 grain weight and grain yield per plant under restricted irrigated condition. A set of 21character specific SSR markers were used for diversity analysis at molecular levels in the subjected wheat genotypes. These markers have clear, sharp and scorable bands for all the used wheat genotypes. Based on dendrogram analysis all the 30 genotypes were classified into 6 clusters among which cluster II contained maximum no. of genotypes whereas, cluster VI recorded as mono-genotypic cluster as it has only one genotype. High similarity coefficient was found between 12th HPYT 489 and 42 ESWYT 3108 followed by 11th HPYT 405 and 8th HPYT 454.ThesisItem Open Access MOLECULAR PROFILING FOR AGRONOMICALLY IMPORTANT TRAITS AND MINERAL CONTENT OF LOCALLY ADAPTED WILD RICE ACCESSIONS(RPCAU, Pusa, 2023) BHARTI, PHULENDRA KUMAR; Kumari, SaritaRice is a cereal grain serve as source of calories for global population. World demand for both the quantity and quality of rice. Agronomically important traits and grain mineral content have significant role in improvements of quantity and quality of rice. Among minerals Iron, Zinc, Copper and Manganese play important role in various metabolisms of living organisms and hence are an important mineral for human. Iron (Fe) and Zinc (Zn) is major cause of hidden hunger and malnutrition for the developing countries which are largely dependent on rice as staple food. Similarly, other minerals such as; Manganese (Mn) and Copper (Cu) is becoming crucial for the human health and development. Biofortification is the cheap and sustainable approach for mass eradication of hunger and malnourished population. However, biofortification is often compromised with the availabilities of high mineral accumulator rice accession as donor, lack of trait linked marker information etc. Considering these, present studies was conducted with objectives to study the molecular profiling for important agronomical traitsand natural variation in grain mineral contentamong indigenous wild rice accessions from Indo-Gangetic plain that is hotspot for rice variabilities.Large phenotypic variation was found among the wild rice accessions for different agronomically important traits and rice grain mineralcontent. The significance of marker trait association was studied through adjusted p- value using Bonferroni correction. Adjusted p-value,<0.00113 was used for interpreting significance level of the markers associated with agronomical traits and grain mineral content. Forty-three significant marker trait associations were assessed for given studies. Thirty-four SNP markers were found to be linked with agronomical traits in the study and nine markers were found to be associated with grain mineral content. The identified loci were annotated based on their genic localization and gene for cellular function, molecular function and transporters were observed. Most of the annotated genes at the SNP positions were uncharacterized putative expressed. Thus, their role for the concerned trait may be inferred after validations. Genes found associated with the region may be use for improvement of crop using transgenic program after studying their expression under concerned associated traits. The wild rice accession: NKSWR144 was identified as high accumulator for iron, zinc, manganese and copper and can be used for the improvement of grain mineral content using mapped marker based back cross mechanism.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation and identification of climate resilient interspecific and intergeneric sugarcane hybrid clones for water logging tolerance(RPCAU, Pusa, 2023) RAKSHITHA, SOMAVARAPU; KAMAT, D. N.A research trial was carried out at the Kalyanpur Research Farm, R.P.C.A.U., Bihar, Pusa, Samastipur, involving 21 climate resilient sugarcane clones along with three established check varieties. The experiment encompassed both waterlogged and normal conditions and was structured using an ALPHA design within 2 replications. The research study focused on evaluating sugarcane genotypes under waterlogging and normal conditions to understand their performance and identify climate-resilient clones for potential breeding and selection programs. The analysis included an exploration of variance, calculation of Genotypic and Phenotypic coefficients of variation, assessment of genetic advance percent of means and, heritability and ranking of genotypes based on selection indices and criteria. Under waterlogging conditions, significant differences among genotypes were observed for the studied traits. Phenotypic coefficient of variance exhibited higher variability compared to genotypic coefficient of variation. Traits such as germination percentage at 45 days after planting (DAP), tillers at 90 DAP, shoot numbers before and after waterlogging, single cane weight, brix percentages, cane yield, and many others exhibited significant heritability along with a substantial increase in genetic advance percentage over the means. Positive correlations were found between yield of the cane (t/ha) and attributes like commercial cane sugar (CCS) content, single cane weight, germination, tillers, and various height and diameter measurements. Conversely, cane yield was negatively correlated with fiber percentage. Based on a selection index and the evaluation of three criteria, ISH 512, ISH 567, ISH 584, ISH 587, and ISH 590 were identified as the most suitable clones under waterlogging conditions. These genotypes show potential for further breeding programs and selection efforts to develop sugarcane varieties resilient to waterlogging stress. In the normal field conditions, noticeable variations were also noted among different genotypes concerning the evaluated characteristics. The phenotypic variability index exceeded the genotypic variability index, suggesting that environmental factors contributed more to the overall variability. Traits such as single cane weight, number of millable canes, cane yield, germination at 45 DAP, tillers at 90 DAP, and sucrose percentage at 10 months demonstrated considerable heritability coupled with a genetic advance percentage ranging from moderate to substantial relative to the means. Positive correlations were established between yield of the cane and attributes such as shoot numbers after waterlogging, cane height at harvest, count of aerial root nodes and brix percentage at 10 months., CCS content, and CCS (t/ha) at harvest. Based on the selection index and criteria assessment, ISH 512, ISH 584, ISH 587, and ISH 590 were identified as the most suitable clones under normal field conditions. This comprehensive research provides information regarding the performance of sugarcane genotypes under varying conditions and identifies promising clones for on-coming selection and breeding programs. The identified clones may be further utilized for breeding programmes and waterlogging tolerant varieties maybe developed from these clones.
